On Monday morning, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, a community group, issued a statement regarding the ongoing pay crisis within Durham Public Schools (DPS). The committee emphasized the urgent need for action to address the crisis and safeguard the interests of the children affected.
Chairman of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People conveyed the group’s concerns, highlighting the disruptions caused by the pay crisis, including school cancellations. The group directed attention towards the Durham County’s board of commissioners, urging them to play a more active role in resolving the pay dispute. Additionally, the committee called on DPS and the Durham Association of Educators to implement a 30-day pause on any actions that could lead to further school closures. Furthermore, they urged DPS to honor the promised raises for affected employees at least until the end of the school year.
The call to action directed at the county commissioners was prompted by the lack of response from both county and city officials on the DPS pay issue. Notably, Durham City Council and Mayor Leonardo Williams have yet to address the crisis officially.
Walter Jackson, the chairman of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, underscored the significance of the county commissioners’ involvement, given their authority over financial matters. He emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing the well-being of children in Durham amidst the ongoing crisis.
The committee’s statement followed a tense board meeting last week, during which DPS voted to establish an ad-hoc group to explore the possibility of implementing a Meet and Confer policy. This policy would entail forming a board advisory council comprising Durham school employees.
In response to the committee’s call to action, some parents of DPS students expressed support for any initiatives aimed at resolving the crisis. They emphasized the importance of involvement from political leaders and officials in finding solutions to the ongoing challenges within Durham Public Schools.